Having SAD and excision and biceps tenotomy and tenodesis

Posted , 3 users are following.

having SAD and joint excision as well as biceps tenotomy and tenodesis, next week. Was expecting to have decompression but not all the rest and from what I have read, seems you are more restricted following tenodesis as have to protect all the healing tissues and bone. Anyway, just wondered if anyone else had this done and how they found the recovery. Have been told can't drive for 8 weeks and in sling for 6 weeks, but have 2 children and live in the sticks so bit isolated. Hubby will help but works full time and not home til late, have planned as best I can and will order shopping online but still worried how will manage day to day stuff and if struggling to do things will be doing to much. Any advice would be welcome. Thank you. 

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5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi. I've had the tenodesis on my right bicep performed twice. As a single mother I can't say it isn't without its challenges but the surgery outcome far outweighs the 6/8weeks of pain and inconvenience. I'm right hand dominate so had to retrain myself to be left handed. Vest tops, oversized zip up tops and elasticated waist trousers all help. Spare sling for showering. So one can get wet and the change after. Ice pack over the shoulder reduces swelling post op and worn for up to 4 days after. Arnica tablets reduces bruising, trolley to help carry food and drinks is a great help. Trays are out of the question. Contact an occupational therapist before hand as they can visit your home and offer aids that you might not have thought of. Domestic help if you can afford it. Even just once a week for heavy household jobs. Last but most important. A back rest for your bed. Saves on the pillows sliding during the night. I slept semi propped up. Perfect as lying down is too painful. The scar is minimal. Take advice from the post op physiotherapist as well. And only do what you have been told. Don't race the rehab. Hope that helps. Any other questions just ask. Best wishes. 🤔
    • Posted

      Thank you , that's helpful, I have thought through a lot of stuff and tried to plan ahead, already practiced washing my hair , getting dressed with one hand! My hubby will do heavy stuff , ironing and Hoover at weekend and some stuff will just not get done. Luckily I have good physio already so I'm sure she will be giving me plenty of advice. Yes, I am hoping the few weeks of inconvenience will pay off in the long run, I have already been off work for several months so I know in cannot go on as I have been doing. Someone else had mentioned the v pillows at night and I have one from when my kids were young. I don't envy you having gone through this op as single mum though. It must have been tough. Thanks for your advice. Xx
    • Posted

      Pleased I could offer some practical help as sometimes that is what's missing. The back support I had was a fabric covered adjustable metal frame that the pillows lent on. That way the pillows didn't slip around in the night. Available online. Cuts down on the amount of pillows you may need and takes up less space. Unless you have a spare bed for hubby to sleep in!! Small rubber mat on kitchen worktop as well. Stops plates and other items from slipping around when you only have one hand to control them. Last item. I was given by occupational therapist was a small board with spikes on. Used in the kitchen on top of rubber mat to hold bread down. Amazing how far a slice of bread will go when you try to butter it. Simple things for breakfast/lunch after hubby gone to work. It's amazing how well you can retrain the brain to use your other hand. I managed it all except writing. Good luck. 😉
    • Posted

      Would you mind if i sent you an email? This operation has been recommended to me but i'm terrified as i have already had surgery on my neck. I don't know anyone who has had it done! Thank you, Caroline (Are you in the UK?)
    • Posted

      Hi everyone

      I had a slap tear repair which is the labrum ( cartilage ) around the shoulder cuff and my bicep tendon repaired also.

      I don't know how this compares to you all but I also had to wear my sling for 4-6 weeks with difficulty doing my everday things.

      As a result of immobilization and the scar tissue from the surgery I now have a frozen shoulder which means I have full range of movement it's been 8 months since my op abd still doing physio.

      Due to this I was recommended to have a hydrodilitation injection which is a combination of saline water and steriod to regain my movement, this helped a little but still not 100%

      My suggestion to you all is speak to your physio and try to get moving as much as possible without aggrevating your arm of course.

      Good luck

      Grace

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